Using jet-skis and personal watercraft responsibly

As a personal watercraft user, you have a responsibility towards yourself, your passengers (if carried) and to other water users.

Registration and insurance

You must register your jet-ski at the Marine Leisure Centre before you can use it. You must also insure your jet-ski before use as well.

Before you go out on your jet-ski, you should do the following:

check the weather forecast
check on local conditions, eg tide times, rocks, piers
tell someone ashore when and where you are going and when you will be returning
log a traffic report with Jersey Coastguard on VHF channel 82 or by telephone +44 (0) 1534 447705 if you are making a passage or intend to be out for a long time
check the condition of your craft and that the power unit has been well maintained
park your vehicle and trailer with care and consideration. Do not obstruct access for other users or the emergency services

A 5 knot speed limit applies in the following areas:

within 200 yards of any shore line, harbour and pier
any waters of St Aubin’s Bay that lie generally to the west of a line that is drawn from the south end of La Haule Slip straight to Platte Rock beacon (being the beacon at Platte Rock, which lies north-east of Grosse Rock) and from there straight to Point de Bût
any waters of Bouley Bay that lie to the southern side of the shortest line drawn between Vicard Point and La Tour de Rozel
any waters of St Brelade’s Bay that lie to the northern side of the shortest line drawn between Grosse Tête and La Cotte Point

Please refer to General Direction 01 – Harbours (Inshore Safety) (Jersey) Regulations 2012 (Revised) for more information.

You should wear the following items when out on your jet-ski:

You should ensure the engine kill cord is fitted and connected to the craft and yourself. Always carry a spare.

check information notices at access points and observe the local by-laws
where applicable, use buoyed channels and designated zones
observe local speed limits
when fuelling, take care to ensure that fuel and oil are not released into the environment. Pollution of beaches, banks and the water from oil and rubbish is an offence
don’t disturb wildlife, as it may be vulnerable if it is disturbed. You should be aware of any sensitive areas and keep well clear of them

if possible, go out with other people so you’re better able to cope with any problems
keep a look out for other craft and keep clear of any other restricted areas, eg bathers, water skiers, surfers
be considerate to others and make sure that engine noise is kept to a minimum
remember that serious accidents can occur as a result of small children playing with the controls of a personal watercraft

You can do the following to ensure that you are as safe as possible when using your jet-ski:

get some training. For information on where training is available in your locality and how to join a recognised club, contact the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
personal watercraft users should be able to swim and should also be happy when in the water wearing a buoyancy aid
familiarise yourself with your craft. Learn how to operate it safely and with consideration to others ashore and afloat
consult the operator’s manual provided by the manufacturers, particularly with regard to the maintenance of the power unit
before allowing a friend to use your craft, make sure they know how to use it properly
know your limitations